Life 3:8
Things were starting to warm up around the forest, heralding New Leaf. Grass was already poking through the muddy ground, soon to cover the whole forest. Of course, having received prior warning, Riverclan knew of the coming flood. The camp was cleared out since it was washed out last time there was a flood. They didn't want to chance losing any cats. Also knowing that the flood would leave a famine, Riverclan prepared a stockpile of prey in a hole they packed with the remnants of the snow.
Snakepaw was out sitting by the river, watching it sweep across the land in a wide swath. The water crashed against rocks and crevice's that it usually never reached. The roar of water was nostalgic to Snakepaw, who had seen more than even most Twolegs would ever see. Snakepaw closed his eyes as he embraced the sensation, the memory of water forced to reroute as it met sheer rock. The ever present grind as water imperceptibly slowly sliced through the rock, enforcing its path and existence. Snakepaw had long ago witnessed how something as perceivably weak as water could cut through the toughest of stone if given enough time.
Crookedstar happened to be patrolling the river's edge when he spotted the apprentice. "Checking out the river, eh? I don't imagine we'll be getting any fish from it anytime soon, but it'll go down eventually, right back to its old path." Crookedstar commented.
Snakepaw didn't reply right away, seemingly in a memory infused daze. Finally, after a moment, Snakepaw opened his eyes and noticed Crookedstar. "Gah! How long have you been there?" Snakepaw queried.
Crookedstar let out a chuckle. "Scared you kit? You seemed to be thinking of something deep if you didn't hear my approach. Tell me old friend, what's got you thinking so hard?"
Snakepaw briefly shook himself out, attempting to clear his mind of whatever had got him dazed. "Just some old memories. It's the sound of the river that got me thinking. You know, back at the lake where the families lived, there were these tunnels that stretched around the whole lake. There were dozens of entrances, if not more. They all connected to these tunnels. The tunnels were a bit special. Every once and a while the tunnels would completely flood. Of course, there were a few safe spots down there, but you could never guarantee it. Sometimes a new tunnel would appear overnight because two tunnels were too close and the pressure of the water would break their dividing walls. I only ever knew a few that could truly navigate that place. Even then, they were always extremely cautious as to what areas to traverse. It would be real easy to get lost down there and not make it up before the tunnels flooded again. Water really is such a fascinating thing. We need it for life, and yet fish need it to breathe. It can cling to fur, making us freeze, and yet we can't go without it. It can freeze as hard as stone, and yet even without becoming ice, it can cut through rock and pulverize a cat if caught in a rapids. In a way, I find water inspirational." Snakepaw ranted.
"Huh. Never really thought of that. What got you thinking about that anyways?" Crookedstar gently pressed.
"I've been thinking about myself and my role within the clans. I'm kind of like the water in those tunnels I mentioned, there one moment and gone the next. You might not even know I was ever there, but I leave signs to my passing. Over time, those small changes I make add up, breaking a boundary and enabling a change that would never have been possible without me. Others may pass through seeing the signs but never comprehending the effort it took to make the change. I acknowledge that my efforts towards bettering the clans is largely thankless. There will never really be legends about Snakepaw the immortal. I will always be forgotten, but at least I can still see pieces of what I did generations after I made the change. I always smile a bitter smile when I see something I specifically taught being used. I'm glad to be an instrument of change, but sometimes I wish to hear that little thank you for what I did. Sadly, it isn't meant to be. Even if you thank me now, you're only consoling me without the slightest idea of what I did. I know you're on your last life Crookedstar, and the idea of finally dying scares you." Snakepaw mewed, startling Crookedstar as he continued. "I know the idea of leaving the living world behind is scary, but an existence like mine is immeasurably worse. You will be remembered as both a wise and cunning leader. Every cat values your words and your advice. I'm sure you've got your own regrets, but I can safely say that no cat I've ever met doesn't. You get to have something I can only dream of."
Crookedstar was taken aback by Snakepaw's statement. He couldn't understand why Snakepaw was discussing his potential death. "Why are you saying this? I'm admittedly not in my prime anymore, but I'm still pretty fit."
Snakepaw met Crookedstar's eyes, conveying that he knew something Crookedstar didn't. Crookedstar stumbles backward at the sight, somehow already sensing what Snakepaw was about to say. "You're going to die soon Crookedstar. I'm sorry that it can't be prevented. Mudfur figured it out. When he was treating you for White Cough, he got a good chance to feel your pulse. Your heart has an arhythmic beat. It's struggling. We can have you on herbs to try and keep it steady, but this is a chronic condition. I suggest speeding up training Leopardfur because we have no idea how soon you could have a heart attack."
Crookedstar's head fell at the diagnosis. "How… How long do you think I've got?"
Snakepaw shrugged softly. "No way to tell. You could pass in your sleep during the night, or you may last a good few moons as long as you're not put into anything stressful. You're battling days are over. Mudfur and I strongly advise you don't take part in any fights. It'll put stress on your heart, worsening the condition. Don't get me wrong. You still have time. We caught it relatively early. The issue is really that it's a semi rare condition that we only really see elders have. A couple elders last years with it, but others are just gone overnight. We really can't predict it. The only treatment known to help is taking it easy while keeping active."
Crookedstar let out a huff. "You know, when I was younger, I always imagined I'd go out in some big fight with Thunderclan. I thought for sure that I'd die young given this jaw, and how impulsive I was. Now look at me. My muzzle has greyed. I'm one of the oldest cats in the clan. Honestly, even though I'm not ready to die, I'm also not afraid of it. It'll get me when it gets me, but I'm pretty happy with what I managed to accomplish. I've still got a few things I'm going to try to do, but I won't be too sad if I don't manage to complete them. Thank you for letting me know. I'm going to go let Leopardfur know. Do you want to come back with?"
"Nah. I think I'll sit by the river a little longer reminiscing. Tell Mudfur I'll be back before sundown if you see him. I'll just be here if he needs me." Snakepaw answered, briefly watching Crookedstar leave before turning back to the river and closing his eyes, letting the sound of crashing water wash over him.